The undiscovered Flemish jewel of a city boasts an opera house, a handful of museums, even more ancient churches, and countless bridges spanning the two rivers that wind themselves through the city. The true joy of the town is to be found whiling away an afternoon in an outdoor café. Whether your wrapped under blankets sipping a coffee in the winter or sunning yourself in the springtime with a cold Belgium brew, you will fit in with the locals if you simply enjoy the great atmosphere this town offers. If possible, find a seat on the Graslei (on the photo above), a scenic canal spot in the centre of town, with a great view on the many bridges, grand houses and medieval buildings.

Alternatively, hop on a bike and explore the nearby Patershol district with a small labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets, the towering Gravensteen Castle and Unesco recognised bell tower. The laid back atmosphere of this liveable, lovable city means enjoying the vibrant nightlight of a university town then quaffing cava at the flower market the following Sunday morning.

VENUE

The Ghelamco Arena is located about 5km from Ghent city centre in the south, and 3.5km from Ghent’s main railway station Gent-Sint-Pieters. It is easily accessible for those travelling by plane to Brussels Airport, by car, and by train or on the Eurostar into Brussels.

HOW TO GET TO GHELAMCO

ARRIVING BY PLANE: Land at Brussels Airport and get a train towards Bruges. Your stop is Gent-Sint-Pieters (around 55 minutes). Take a taxi (recommended) or tram to Ghelamco.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN: Arrive into Brussels Midi Station (by EUROSTAR) and get a train to Gent-Sint-Pieters (around 30 minutes). Take a taxi (recommended) or tram to Ghelamco.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

TRAM: If you’re travelling from Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, take tram 4 in the direction of Gent-Zwijnaardebrug. Get off the tram at Gestichtstraat (after about 10 minutes) and walk ahead until you reach the canal. At the canal follow the footpath on the left for about 15 minutes – this will lead you to the Ghelamco Arena. This route should take approximately 30 minutes.

BUS: You can travel on the number 65 or 67 bus from Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station towards the Ghelamco Arena. You will need to depart at the Gent Arteveldepark stop. Buses run every 30 minutes and journey time is around 15 minutes.

TAXI

You can get a taxi from Gent-Sint-Pieters train station which will take around 10 minutes. Please allow for some extra time if travelling during peak times.

The stadium is situated where the E17 and E40 motorways intersect. If you are travelling along the E40 motorway, first make your way to the E17 motorway, then take exit 9 UZ Ghent, towards the Ghelamco Arena, Ottergemsesteenweg Zuid 808, 9000 Ghent. Follow the signage KAA Ghent.

PARKING

CAR PARKING: Showtime18 parking is located at Brico DIY (Parking MeetDistrict Gent Events.pdf). From that parking you need to walk about 2 minutes to the entrance of the MeetDistrict. BICYCLE PARKING: There are designated bicycle racks around the outside of the stadium.